Tributes have been paid following the sudden death of a popular parish priest who spent a decade serving the congregation of St Brigid’s RC Church in Newmains.

Father Joseph Brannigan was discovered dead in his bed after failing to turn up for Mass last Thursday at St Mary’s RC Church in Lanark.

Originally from Airdrie, Father Brannigan was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest in 1978, and served in Coatbridge, Blantyre and Shotts.

He also served on the teaching staff at Blairs College in Aberdeen – a junior seminary for boys and young men studying for the priesthood – prior to its closure in 1986.

He moved to Newmains in 1996, where he is credited with transforming the parish.

Murdostoun councillor Robert McKendrick spoke of his sadness at Father Brannigan’s sudden passing.

He said: “It’s a real shock. He was very popular and well liked during the time he spent in Newmains and did a lot of good work. Not just for his own parishioners but right across the community.

“He was young, enthusiastic and driven and encouraged many younger people to return and get involved with the church.

“I know he carried this work on when he moved to Lanark a few years ago. He’ll be sadly missed.”

Bishop Emeritus of Motherwell, Rt Rev. Joseph Devine, said: “Father Brannigan, while small in stature, was grand in vision and a ball of fire in work and action.

“As a priest he led from the front with dynamism and energy adding considerable value and inspiring so many people in the parishes he served.

“Of particular note, was his considerable contribution to Catholic Education in his period as Religious Education Adviser to Catholic schools in the Diocese of Motherwell.

“A much admired and respected priest, he will be sorely missed by the whole Church.

“I offer our sympathy and support of our prayers to his mother and all of his family and friends, the parishioners of St Mary’s, Lanark, and those of the other parishes in the Motherwell Diocese in which Father Joe served.”